Rap Lyrics Teach You How to Eat Right

I come from the generation of ‘80s teenagers who grew up listening to ole skool rap music. I always loved the beats the rhymes and of course all the references to food. I bet you never thought rappers were trying to teach us how to eat a proper diet. Then again maybe they weren’t…but they sure made their fair share of culinary references. Here are a few of my favorite lines from popular rap artists. I've also included my interpretation of what they were really trying to tell us.

Lyric - “I don’t eat no ham and eggs because they are high in cholesterol”
Artist - A Tribe Called Quest
My Interpretation: It’s an advisory to all homeboys and homegirls to steer clear of food high in cholesterol.

Lyric - “You think its chocolate milk but it’s watered down Yoo-hoo!
Artist - The Beastie Boys
My Interpretation: Always read the ingredients so you know exactly what you are eating.

Lyric - “Milky…cereal baby…milky…cereal”
Artist - L.L Cool J
My Interpretation: Start the day off with a good wholesome breakfast.

Lyric: “Don’t believe the hype”
Artist: Public Enemy
My Interpretation: Don’t always believe what you read on prepared food labels.

Lyric: “It’s Christmas time in Hollis Queens; Mom’s cooking chicken and collard greens; Rice and stuffing, macaroni and cheese.
Artist: Run D.M.C
My Interpretation: Take mom’s advice and always eat from the four main food groups; meat/poultry, vegetables/fruits, breads and dairy. Substitute seafood for the meat every once in awhile and you're good to go!

You see rappers really do care about your eating habits. Do you?

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Brent Garell
The Kitchen Roadie
brent@cookapalooza.com